Symptoms of MS
Bladder & Bowel Problems
Bladder
Many people with MS have bladder problems and this is sometimes the first sign of the disease. This needs to be taken in the context of the fact that a large proportion of the general population also has problems with urinary continence.
In those with MS, the symptoms are very variable and may be due to tiredness, medication or the onset of an illness. Symptoms take the form of a sudden urge to go, a need to go frequently, incontinence, incomplete urination, bed wetting and a feeling of incomplete emptying. These can be successfully managed through a combination of the following:
- Medication
- Insertion of a catheter from time to time
- Exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding the bladder
- Reducing fluid intake
Bowel problems
Constipation is the commonest bowel problems in MS and it is managed by increasing the fibre content of the diet and the fluid intake together, if necessary, with stools softeners and laxatives.
Reference
Barnes D. Multiple Sclerosis. Questions and Answers. Merit Publishing International 2000. Pp. 125.
